Reddit reviews Decibel Meter,Noise Meter/Sound Level Meter Tester Range 30-130dB (A) with LCD Display (Batteries included)
We found 2 Reddit comments about Decibel Meter,Noise Meter/Sound Level Meter Tester Range 30-130dB (A) with LCD Display (Batteries included). Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Compact and lightweight, come with a portable carrying case, convenient to take it out for testingFrequency range: 31.5Hz to5KHz,Accuracy: among 1.5dB,Sample rate: 2 times/secondDigital display: 4digits,Resolution: 0.1dBSample rate: 2 times/second,Operating condition: 0-40degree 10-80%RHMicrophone: 1/2 inch electret condenser microphone,Storage condition: -10--+60degree 10-70%RH
Excessive noise, if it really is excessive, is more of a civil matter than a criminal one. As such, your best bet is to take them to small claims court. It's cheap to do so, but I highly doubt the police or the city will do anything about it. Be sure to keep a record of any and all complaints you are making, as it will show that this has been ongoing and that you've tried to remedy it.
You may have to set up a decibel meter to help prove your case. Judges don't like to take things at people's word. If you have something that can objectively state how much noise is being generated (ie a graph of time vs. noise level) then they are much more likely to take you seriously.
Also be aware that that sound meter, and others, will have a low frequency cut-off around 31 Hz. If the noise is low frequency bass coming through the walls, a sound meter might not pick it up. For reference, the lowest note a bass guitar can produce is 42 Hz.
http://www.courts.state.va.us/resources/small_claims_court_procedures.pdf
It's still very possible to get hearing damage and build up pain even if the immediate volume isn't painful. It sounds like you need to reduce your volume a lot.
I recommend getting a cheap decibel meter and closing your headphones around it. If it measures anything higher than 80-85, you're being unsafe.